There are at least 23 different types of hummingbird species that have been seen in North America. Hummingbirds are the smallest bird species in all of the bird families living in North America. These colorful birds attract the curiosity of all who see them. The male bird of each species has the ability to turn its gorget, which is the highly iridescent feathers around its throat and head, into brilliant colors of shiny-like metal plates.